ADHD and ADD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a much-discussed subject for parents. From discussing the possibilities of your child having it to dealing with other kids with ADHD at school, it's likely that ADHD directly affects your son, if not you. Therefore, it is important to learn what you can do to help your son. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD.
Maybe a teacher told you she suspects your son has ADHD, or perhaps another parent looked at you and said, “Oh yes, it's definitely ADHD. I'd know it anywhere.” Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is defined by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) as having three subtypes:
Primarily inattentive
Primarily impulsive
Combined type (impulsive and inattentive)
However, there is only one way to know for sure if your son has ADHD. He must be evaluated by a qualified specialist with a background in ADHD. Other practitioners may guess and offer a prescription, but it could be a misdiagnosis. Bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and other problems may present as ADHD, which is why you need someone who will do a full inspection of your son and his history, including physical, mental, and emotional outlook, school work, and social life.
Once your son has been diagnosed with ADHD, you may feel relieved. You have a diagnosis, and now you can move forward with a specific set of rules that will help. Many parents quickly become disillusioned with the wide variety of help available, from medications to behavior modification. The truth is that finding what works for your son may take time, and trial and error.
Fact
Oppositional defiance disorder is defined by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as the exhibiting of an “ongoing pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures that seriously interferes with the youngster's day to day functioning.”
You can use your health care provider to assist you, as well as a specialist who focuses on ADHD. You will hopefully be able to successfully involve your child's school to help resolve the issues or symptoms that you son is experiencing. This can be a challenge, but your son is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the school is required to help. Be sure you know your rights.
As a teen, your son can be helpful in verbalizing what works and what doesn't. Use this to your advantage; it is something younger children often have a problem doing. Help your son's doctor monitor his medication, which may need adjustments because of his changing physical nature. Your son may weigh more and need more medication or he may have better control over impulses as he ages and need less medications. Stay in close contact with your son and with those you have assisting your family.
